Bingo (US)

Bingo is a game of chance where randomly-selected numbers are drawn and players match those numbers to those appearing on 5x5 matrices which are printed or electronically represented and are known as "cards." The first person to have a card where the drawn numbers form a specified pattern is the winner and calls out the word - "BINGO!!!" to alert others and inform the caller of the win. Note: The card must first be properly checked for accuracy before the "win" is officially confirmed at which time the prize is secured and a new game is begun. Bingo is a game used for legalized gambling in some countries. Many Bingo Halls exist in the United States of America. Smoking in bingo halls is currently a topic of much debate.

The version of the game described in this article is played in the United States and Canada. A very similar game called housie is played in India, New Zealand, Australia, and the UK (where it is called Bingo). This game differs only in ticket layout and calling.